We can't forget about the Church's teachings and the demands of God's law when we are engaged in our public life

"The taking of an innocent human life, whether inside the womb or not, and up until natural death, is always and everywhere intrinsically evil," the bishop writes. "Such issues as embryonic stem cell research and attempts at human cloning are also direct attacks against the dignity and uniqueness of human life made in the image of God."

WASHINGTON,DC (Catholic Online) - On February 27, 2011 Archbishop Gomez assumed the office of Archbishop of the Los Angeles. His earlier appointment as a Co-Adjutor Bishop had fueled concern in some segments of that diverse Archdiocese based upon his undeniable commitment to theological orthodoxy. However, within a short time he won over even those who initially expressed concerns.

Observers were not surprised. He is one of "Benedict's Bishops", possessing that wonderful combination of doctrinal fidelity and human warmth. He is well known for his pastoral heart and his sincere love for the Lord and His people. People immediately like him. They discern his close relationship with the Lord when they are in his presence.

He is a long time proponent of the "New Evangelization" first advocated first by Blessed Pope John Paul II, to whom he has had a deep devotion. His marvelous letter entitled "You Will Be My Witnesses" is one of the best statements on the call to the New Evangelization available. It was written when he was the Archbishop of San Antonio, Texas.

He is a passionate advocate for the poor who lives and proclaims the authentic Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, properly understood. His July 28, 2011 address to the Napa Institute entitled "Immigration and the "Next America": Perspectives from Our History" should be read by anyone who seeks to inform their political, cultural, social and economic participation in fulfilling our obligation to faithful citizenship, informed by the truth as taught by the Catholic Church.

Archbishop Gomez recently told California Catholics, in an article entitled "First thoughts about this electionyear" "We can't forget about the Church's teachings and the demands of God's law when we are engaged in our public life....the most important thing is to form our consciences. We have to make sure our participation and our contributions always reflect the moral and religious values that we find in the Scriptures and in the teachings of our Church." His words apply to every Catholic. Words like this should be shouted from the housetops. He and many other Bishops are doing just that.

"The taking of an innocent human life, whether inside the womb or not, and up until natural death, is always and everywhere intrinsically evil," the bishop writes. "Such issues as embryonic stem cell research and attempts at human cloning are also direct attacks against the dignity and uniqueness of human life made in the image of God."

It comes as no surprise to us that Pennsylvania is "in play" in spite of media pundits' attempt to spin the recent Pew poll. With Obama showing only a two-point lead in a traditionally "blue state," the stage is set for Catholic voters, who constitute 37 percent of the overall votes in national elections, to make the difference on Nov. 6. Take a look at the special web set up for Catholic voters in Pennsylvania.

Imagine the impact if this particular Prayer for the Faithful was included in every Mass between now and Nov. 6! This prayer was sent by a friend who heard it prayed in the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina a few weeks ago.

A Prayer for the Faithful

"Lord, we affirm the conviction that our rights come from You, Our Creator, and that government exists to protect those rights. Now that we face unjust mandates that call upon us to violate our conscience and threaten Your Church, we pray for Your intervention and guidance. Help us to reverse the unjust policies that are being forced upon us, and restore this nation to the principles of freedom and justice upon which it was founded. We pray to the Lord."

O'Brien even throws in a Nazi metaphor to describe Catholic obedience to Church teaching on life, marriage, and religious liberty. O'Brien opines: "On Election Day, Catholic voters won't walk in lockstep with bishops -- and a majority of Catholics think the bishops should stay out of politicking."

For O'Brien, the bishops are not "politicking" when they endorse entitlement programs, but they ARE when they defend innocent human life. Walking in "lockstep," applies only to those Catholics who take seriously the admonition of our Lord, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for July 2015
Universal: That political responsibility may be lived at all levels as a high form of charity.
Evangelization: That, amid social inequalities, Latin American Christians may bear witness to love for the poor and contribute to a more fraternal society.

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